The current mayor is Vito Leccese from the Democratic Party, who took office on 9 July 2024.

[1] According to the Italian Constitution, the mayor of Bari is member of the city council.

The mayor is elected by the population of Bari, who also elects the members of the city council, controlling the mayor's policy guidelines and is able to enforce his resignation by a motion of no confidence.

The mayor is entitled to appoint and release the members of his government.

Since 1995, under provisions of new local administration law, the Mayor of Bari is chosen by direct election, originally every four, and later every five years.